Xavier Dorm Director Heading Effort to “Turn Dresses into Dreams”

Every little girl dreams of being a princess. Cinderella’s Closet helps that dream come true by transforming donations of new and gently-worn formal dresses and accessories into dreams for financially disadvantaged girls throughout Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana.

Amy Korstange, director of the Brockman Residence Hall at XavierUniversity, is encouraging students, faculty, staff and the community to make donations and help as a “fairy godmother” or behind the scenes.Korstange learned about Cinderella’s Closet through her husband, Ryan, a worship director at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Lakeside Park, KY, whose youth group is the sponsor of this outreach. “It was something that I thought college women could really be involved with, being so close to the prom age themselves,” Korstange said.

“Even more than a dress, we want each princess that enters our doors to have an amazing experience. We surround them with grace, love, and respect. They leave knowing they are cherished,” said Erin Peterson, volunteer director of Cinderella’s Closet.

Girls are referred by a school guidance counselor, church pastor or social worker and each is guided by her own personal “fairy godmother” to select her dream dress and accessories from Cinderella’s Closet. The items are free and are hers to keep – they do not turn into pumpkins at midnight.

So many women have beautiful gowns in their closets that have had only one night to shine. Think of the current film 27 Dresses – all those bridesmaids’ dresses never worn again. Share them with girls who might otherwise miss prom without them. In 2007, its first year, Cinderella’s Closet outfitted 115 girls for their schools’ formal events. They hope to help 400 girls this year.

Donations are being accepted at all residence hall desks through February 29 or at drop sites listed on the website below. Xavier students will also help deliver dresses on March 8. Please note these conditions: long, formal gowns and fancy party dresses must be less than 5 years old and in EXCELLENT condition; formal shoes, purses, jewelry, wraps; unopened make-up.

Many jobs are available for men, women, and youth alike. Help is needed all day March 13 and 27 to help turn the church into a beautiful boutique. On shopping days, March 14, 15, 28, and 29, personal shoppers (fairy godmothers) are needed and adult women to help with alterations. The church needs to be restored to its original state on March 15 and 29 and the dresses stored. For details, go to http://www.cinderellasclosetnky.org.